Hello, My name is Michelle & my Bombay, Shadow (aka Pnut or Doo) has just been diagnosed with diabetes. It was brought on by steroids. He is on Vetsulin 2 units twice daily. The needles are longer. I messed up & didn't get the dosage in & gave him a one unit dose. But I just found out that I should never give a second injection. I don't really know how much medication got in. So, I gave him a little vitamin supplement to raise his glucose a little. He did eat before the injection. And the second injection, I put it in wrong, so I think I hurt him. He jerked away. Now, I am scared to go to bed because I fear he will die during the night. I am so disappointed in myself. I have to give him an injection in the morning before I leave for work. Can someone break it down for me? Where on his body is the best injection site? He has black fur, so it's hard to find his skin. Also, I read that you should change the injection site. Is that true? What angle should I be holding the syringe? I want to do this right. He is my best friend & I don't want to screw this up. Please help me! If you live in San Diego, please provide a way to contact you either by phone or on Facebook perhaps? I await replies... :cry:
Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Cat in San Diego
- Thread starter DooMama
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Elizabeth and Bertie
Member Since 2010
Hi,
Have you gone to bed yet?
If it were my cat I'd set the alarm clock and continue to check on him until the insulin has passed it's peak effectiveness.
With Vetsulin/Caninsulin the lowest number usually happens at between 4 and 5 hours after the cycle.
How long ago did you give the shot/s?
Can you give Shadow another meal? And is it possible to leave food out for him?
Eliz
Have you gone to bed yet?
If it were my cat I'd set the alarm clock and continue to check on him until the insulin has passed it's peak effectiveness.
With Vetsulin/Caninsulin the lowest number usually happens at between 4 and 5 hours after the cycle.
How long ago did you give the shot/s?
Can you give Shadow another meal? And is it possible to leave food out for him?
Eliz
Kim & Twice
Member Since 2013
An easier way to get the insulin in is to pull the skin of his scruff into a tent and shoot into the tent. Yes changing the site is a great idea so scar tissue doesn't form but you don't need to worry about that yet. Are you hometesting? And yes , leave food out for kitty if you can. When they get low they will usually gi to their food to bump their sugar up
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Hi MIchelle and Shadow and welcome to the message board.
Do you have a glucometer so you can test at home? We find them very valuable to let us know what the BG(blood glucose) levels are doing. It can take a bit of time to get comfortable and consistently get blood, but they would have helped you to see how the dose you gave Shadow was affecting his glucose levels. Let us know if you want a shopping list or some testing tips.
This diagram gives you some other ideas of where you can inject the insulin. Basically, just about anywhere on the main part of the body, from the neck down is a spot you could shoot. I mostly gave Wink his shots in the flanks, rotating from left side to right.
Syringe should be inserted, under the skin, with the needle more parallel to the body.
Breath, just breathe. We'll help you all we can in this new sugardance you and Shadow are doing. We've all been there and understand your fears and anxieties. It will get better, I promise. It's scary but we will get you feeling confident and in no time you will feel like a pro.
Hang in there.
Do you have a glucometer so you can test at home? We find them very valuable to let us know what the BG(blood glucose) levels are doing. It can take a bit of time to get comfortable and consistently get blood, but they would have helped you to see how the dose you gave Shadow was affecting his glucose levels. Let us know if you want a shopping list or some testing tips.
This diagram gives you some other ideas of where you can inject the insulin. Basically, just about anywhere on the main part of the body, from the neck down is a spot you could shoot. I mostly gave Wink his shots in the flanks, rotating from left side to right.
Syringe should be inserted, under the skin, with the needle more parallel to the body.
Breath, just breathe. We'll help you all we can in this new sugardance you and Shadow are doing. We've all been there and understand your fears and anxieties. It will get better, I promise. It's scary but we will get you feeling confident and in no time you will feel like a pro.
Hang in there.
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Sue and Oliver (GA)
Member Since 2009
We have several members in the San Diego area. I have sent some messages. Maybe someone can help you get started and suggest a vet who is more up to date on feline diabetes.
KPassa
Member Since 2012
Hi Michelle! I'm not in SD, but am up in Orange County. You've already gotten some great information on where and how to give shots. I didn't see anyone mention, however, that Vetsulin is not the best insulin for felines as it causes too harsh and fast a drop and wears off too quick in a cat's faster metabolism. If you're not attached to your vet, I would recommend finding another one who is more up-to-date on feline diabetes management.
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Member Since 2009
Carol (oreosmom) said this about a vet-
Hi Sue,
I would be very happy to help out. I have two great vets to recommend. It depends where the person is located, but she or he can contact me at ccottoneart@ aol. com (added spaces to stop spamming. If you contact her, eliminate spaces) or through the FDMB. My recommendation is the Governor Animal Clinic , Dr. Julie Sorensen, http://www.governoranimalclinic.com/sit ... 2_Home.pml
And for more specialized care, the very best in the area is Dr. Keith Richter, at Specialty Animal Clinic , http://www.vshsd.com/
I hope this is of help!
Warm regards,
Carol, Oreo's Mom
Hi Sue,
I would be very happy to help out. I have two great vets to recommend. It depends where the person is located, but she or he can contact me at ccottoneart@ aol. com (added spaces to stop spamming. If you contact her, eliminate spaces) or through the FDMB. My recommendation is the Governor Animal Clinic , Dr. Julie Sorensen, http://www.governoranimalclinic.com/sit ... 2_Home.pml
And for more specialized care, the very best in the area is Dr. Keith Richter, at Specialty Animal Clinic , http://www.vshsd.com/
I hope this is of help!
Warm regards,
Carol, Oreo's Mom
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